HAVING sorted the order of play by way of ‘diddle for the middle’, as many as 80 people took part in a charity darts competition in Teignmouth to raise vital funds for a local dementia support group.

Organised by a group of friends, all of whom, as it turns out, belong to Teignmouth Men’s Probus Club, the competition raised £1,000 – a figure the organisers were ‘absolutely thrilled’ to reach.

The money is to be donated to Dementia Society, which, among other things, runs a monthly dementia support group at Dawlish Hospital.

Patients living with dementia would typically see a consultant, who happens to be a volunteer, in a room in the hospital, but the NHS has withdrawn funding for the hire of the room – the money is to ensure this room remains open.

The competition, which took place on Thursday, May 25, saw several local businesses enter teams, including Scott Richards Solicitors, Dart & Parters Estate Agents and Oliver J. Knapman Funeral Services.

And it was the Scott Richards team who claimed victory, narrowly beating out Teignmouth Museum in the final round.

John Pearce, who also helped organise the event and is himself a sufferer from dementia, is already sounding the idea of another charity evening, with the goal of raising money to fund day trips for those dementia sufferers who use the support group.

The competiton was the second of its kind, with David, John and company raising around £600 at last year’s darts event.

A free buffet was provided by Teignmouth Social Club, who also offered themselves up as scorers.

No such event would be complete without a raffle, the prizes for which were donated by local businesses.

John himself donated a three foot gnome named George as a prize, which went for more than £150 and was won by Paul from Scott Richards Solicitors.